Introduction
For most people in China, the Pacific War started in 1931 with Japan's annexation of Manchuria, part of China. Eventually, there was an all out attempt by Japan to take-over all of China. Her objective, to create an East-Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere. This attempt culminated in Japan taking on most of the western imperialist powers still left in Asia. In this, she was victorious. At least for a time. This was a tragic war, and one that must be viewed separate from the war that was occurring at the same time in Europe. Though linked, there were some striking differences between these two theaters of war.
Objectives
Students will develop a detailed understanding of the forces which lead to Japan going to war against America.
Students will learn what events lead to acts of overt, deliberate aggression and genocide against a civilian population.
Students will demonstrate that they understand and appreciate how much of East Asia was connected to this war and what the long term effects of this war are.
Reading "Maelstrom: The Pacific War and Its Aftermath" pp. 203-214 of Pacific Century The Rape of Nanking Chapters 1 & 2
Japan's Decision for War
Read the article above. Then respond to the article as if you are one of the following:
You are a Japanese civilian living in Japan in October of 1941 protesting Japan's position in preparing for war, and its invasion of China. You are writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper.
You are an American high school student critiquing the yearly ceremony commemorating the dropping of the A-bomb on Hiroshima. You are writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper.
You are a Japanese military leader supporting the war against America. You are writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper.
You are a Chinese nationalist describing why China needs America's support. You are writing a letter to the editor of an American newspaper.
Each letter should at least 2/3s of a page, 12 point font and spaced 1.5. It should be in a hard copy. Or you may give a speech to the class. Length should be equal to the length of writing.
Due: See announcement or in class directions for this.
Letters from Iwo Jima
This is an incredibly powerful film in that it brings the viewer in touch with the Japanese experience fighting in this war. It provides very good balance in relation to The Rape of Nanking. This movie is about the Battle of Iwo Jima (see the link photo for this page)
We will be watching this film in class in part or in whole.
After viewing I expect you to write a one page reflection on this film. Typed, 1.5 spaced.
Due date: TBA.
Notes
You are responsible for the contents of the following two Keynote presentations. The first is very basic and general about the Pacific War. The second is a fairly detailed examination about the use of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima, August 6, and Nagasaki, August 9, 1945.
The Pacific War
IntroductionFor most people in China, the Pacific War started in 1931 with Japan's annexation of Manchuria, part of China. Eventually, there was an all out attempt by Japan to take-over all of China. Her objective, to create an East-Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere. This attempt culminated in Japan taking on most of the western imperialist powers still left in Asia. In this, she was victorious. At least for a time. This was a tragic war, and one that must be viewed separate from the war that was occurring at the same time in Europe. Though linked, there were some striking differences between these two theaters of war.
Objectives
- Students will develop a detailed understanding of the forces which lead to Japan going to war against America.
- Students will learn what events lead to acts of overt, deliberate aggression and genocide against a civilian population.
- Students will demonstrate that they understand and appreciate how much of East Asia was connected to this war and what the long term effects of this war are.
Reading"Maelstrom: The Pacific War and Its Aftermath" pp. 203-214 of Pacific Century
The Rape of Nanking Chapters 1 & 2
Japan's Decision for War
Read the article above. Then respond to the article as if you are one of the following:
- You are a Japanese civilian living in Japan in October of 1941 protesting Japan's position in preparing for war, and its invasion of China. You are writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper.
- You are an American high school student critiquing the yearly ceremony commemorating the dropping of the A-bomb on Hiroshima. You are writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper.
- You are a Japanese military leader supporting the war against America. You are writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper.
- You are a Chinese nationalist describing why China needs America's support. You are writing a letter to the editor of an American newspaper.
Each letter should at least 2/3s of a page, 12 point font and spaced 1.5. It should be in a hard copy. Or you may give a speech to the class. Length should be equal to the length of writing.Due: See announcement or in class directions for this.
****__//The Rape of Nanking -// Ant Farm Assignment_**_**
Please go to the link above for information regarding this assignment. Remember: You must have read the first two chapters of this book (The Rape of Nanking).
Letters from Iwo Jima
This is an incredibly powerful film in that it brings the viewer in touch with the Japanese experience fighting in this war. It provides very good balance in relation to The Rape of Nanking. This movie is about the Battle of Iwo Jima (see the link photo for this page)
We will be watching this film in class in part or in whole.
After viewing I expect you to write a one page reflection on this film. Typed, 1.5 spaced.
Due date: TBA.
Notes
You are responsible for the contents of the following two Keynote presentations. The first is very basic and general about the Pacific War. The second is a fairly detailed examination about the use of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima, August 6, and Nagasaki, August 9, 1945.